TranslucentGold said:
I've been looking for a store in my city where I can buy all the parts to put together a battery, and so far I've found somewhere to buy 18650 batteries. What kind of places do people go to for parts?
We have no idea where you are, beyond "Australia" (in your profile), so we can't really tell you where you can go for your stuff locally to you. Based on threads here on ES, most builders get all their parts online. Some general thoughts are below:
Since no particular method was specified, I'm assuming a spotwelded nickel-strip type of battery pack, as that's the most common way of building a typical ebike battery of 18650 cells commercially, and is pretty common for DIY as well. There are a LOT of threads about this and other methods around the forum that you can read up on.
If there are battery repair facilities, they might sell everything you need. There used to be a chain called BatteriesPlus (Batteries+) that custom built batteries at their locations, but the last time I was at the one locally, they didn't do that anymore and didn't have parts for it, though they could "custom order" prebuilt batteries for you. Other than that, there aren't any specific "stores" I'm aware of that provide everything you need.
I'd guess that you could locate all the pieces, except probably a BMS, and a spotwelder for the cells, and cell holders/spacers, locally. Perhaps even a BMS (and cell holders) if you're willing to take one out of a different battery pack and re-use it. Might take a bit of outside-the-box thinking to find some things depending on what is in your area.
If you know a place that sells metals, you might be able to order nickel strip from them, even if they don't carry it locally. Possibly from jewelers. If there are still electronics repair facilities in your area, they may carry nickel strip for making grounding straps.
Wire in various sizes and types can be had at hardware stores, electronics parts sellers, RC hobby shops, electronics repair centers, etc.
Connectors, similar places.
Spot welders to build the battery...that you'd probably have to order online; I can't think of anywhere I could walk in and buy one around here. Depending on your DIY skills there are versions you can build from scrap materials.
BMS you'd probably have to order online as well.
Cell holders you can 3D print if you have access to a big enough / good enough printer. Plenty of models out there to download for different kinds of cell holders.
Soldering irons, solder, crimpers, etc., can be had at the same places as the wires and connectors.
Same for small shrinkwrap for the wires.
Larger shrinkwrap for bigger things you might need to get online.
You can punch out protective rings out of plastic sheets, or a kind of cardstock called "fish paper"; dies to do it with might come from crafting places, for leather, heavy paper/card, etc. The sheets from similar places, or plastics specialists, etc. Easier to get them online premade.
Battery cases....online pretty much it. Same for if you want ot use heatshrink to cover it instead.
Duct tape or gaffer's tape you could use for a cover, you can get that almost anywhere locally, but it is a sticky mess when it gets warm.
There's probalby other things I didn't think of that would be listed in various battery build threads.
If you have a different battery building method in mind, let us know, so we can help you figure out local places to get the parts for that, instead.